Can Stacking Device

ABSTRACT

A can stacking device for optimizing storage space in pantries, cupboards, etc. The can stacking device includes an obround shaped frame having an outer wall and one or more inner walls, wherein the inner walls interconnect with the outer wall to define one or more ring-shaped sub-divisions. Each sub division further including a planar partition disposed between the top and bottom ends of the frame. Furthermore, each partition is configured to rest evenly on the top end of a can inserted from below while supporting the bottom end of another can inserted from above, such that cans are separated and securely stacked one on top of the other.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/514,159 filed on Jun. 2, 2017. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the storage of canned goods. More specifically, the present invention provides a means of optimizing the available storage space on shelves and in cupboards.

When faced with limited storage capacity in a pantry or cupboard a common solution is to attempt to stack canned goods one on top of the other to take advantage of unused vertical space. However, this solution has several drawbacks. For example, the stability of the stacked cans is weakened with each additional can that is added, which makes it more likely that the tower of stacked cans will topple over. Furthermore, the varied sizes of cans adds to the instability of stacked cans where the mismatched surface areas allow the cans to shift around relative to one another, such that the center of gravity is raised. This instability makes it difficult to move things around within the pantry or cupboard without causing the stacked cans to topple over and as a result people are discouraged from stacking cans, which wastefully leaves a portion of the vertical storage space unused.

The present invention provides a means of stacking cans that accounts for variances in can size, greatly increases stability and reduces the likelihood that the cans will topple when stacked, thereby allowing for optimized use of available storage and more peace of mind when moving things around within the pantry or cupboard.

Devices have been disclosed in the known art that relate to the storage of canned goods. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to the art of stacking various commodities or articles. However, none of these devices utilize an obround shaped frame with a plurality of ring shaped compartments having inner that merge with the frame to define the circular shape of the compartments.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing can king devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of can stacking devices now present in the known art, the present invention provides a new can stacking device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when organizing available storage space for canned good.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved can stacking device that has all of the advantages of the known art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a can stacking device comprised of an obround shaped frame having an outer wall and one or more inner walls that define one or more ring-shaped sub-divisions adapted to receive the ends of canned goods.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a planar partition for each ring-shaped sub-division, configured to rest evenly on the top end of one can below while supporting the bottom end of another can above, such that the two cans are separated and securely stacked one on top of the other.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide planar partition for each ring-shaped sub-division comprised of a protruding inner lip that extends radially inward to create a flat surface along the inner circumference while leaving a circular opening between the top end and the bottom end of the obround shaped frame.

A further object of the present invention is to provide planar partition for each ring-shaped sub-division comprised of a continuous disc covering the entire area of the sub-division, such that there is no opening between the top end and the bottom end of the obround shaped frame.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a can stacking device wherein the obround shaped frame includes two ring-shaped sub-divisions.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a can stacking device, wherein the obround shaped frame includes two ring-shaped sub-divisions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a can stacking device that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a can stacking device.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a can stacking device with three ring-shaped sub-divisions utilizing the protruding inner lip style planar partition for each ring-shaped sub-division.

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a can stacking device with two ring-shaped sub-divisions utilizing the continuous disc style planar partition for each ring-shaped sub-division.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a can stacking device where one can is being inserted into a ring-shaped sub-division from the top end and another can is being inserted into a ring-shaped sub-division from the bottom end.

FIG. 4A shows a top view of an embodiment of a can stacking device.

FIG. 4B shows a front view of an embodiment of a can stacking device.

FIG. 4C shows a right-side view of an embodiment of a can stacking device.

FIG. 4D shows a close-up cross-section of the outer wall of an embodiment of a can stacking device taken along line A-A of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a can stacking device having no outer wall portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the can stacking device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention,the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for a can stacking device. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of a can stacking device. In the shown embodiment, the can stacking device 1000, comprises a frame 100 having an outer wall 130 and one or more inner walls 140 disposed between a top end 110 and a bottom end 120, such that the frame 100 is sized and proportioned to circumscribe one or more cans within the boundary of the outer wall 130. In the shown embodiment, the inner walls 140 seamlessly blend into the outer wall 110 at a junction to define one or more sub-divisions 150 that are configured to receive the ends of cans inserted from both the top end 110 and the bottom end 120 of the frame 100. In an alternative embodiment, a portion of the outer wall 130 is absent between adjacent junctions (see FIG. 5). In one embodiment, a partition is disposed between the top end 110 and the bottom end 120 of the frame 100, wherein the partition 160 is disposed within each sub-division 150 to provide a flat surface that can rest on the top end a can inserted through the bottom end 120 of the frame 100, and simultaneously provide a flat surface to support the bottom end of a second can inserted from the top end of the frame 100. In the shown embodiment, the partition 160 is planar along 110 an entire surface thereof, however in alternative embodiments the partition 160 may have any shape. For example in one alternative embodiment, the partition 160 is non-planar and includes a shape that conforms to standardized can geometry. In one embodiment, the partition 160 is disposed midway between the top end 110 and the bottom end 120 of the frame 100. In an alternative embodiment, the partition 160 is disposed towards one of the top end 110 and the bottom end 120 of the frame 100.

In the illustrated embodiment the can stacking device 1000 is made from an injection mold so that the frame 100, outer wall 130, inner wall 140, sub-divisions 150, and planar partitions 160 are all included as part of one monolithic structure. Furthermore in the shown embodiment, the frame 100 is obround shaped, such that the outer wall 130 is 3.36 mm thick and has two semi-circles of radius 37.75 mm on opposite ends attached by two longitudinal sides each of length 75.5 mm. Additionally, the inner walls 140, also 3.36 mm thick, are also semi-circles of radius 37.75 mm such that they integrate with the outer wall 130 to define two ring-shaped sub-divisions 150 of radius 37.75 mm. These dimensions allow precisely two identical ring-shaped sub-divisions 150 to fit within the frame 100 without intersecting, such that within each ring-shaped sub-division 150 the planar partition 160 is formed by a protruding inner lip that extends radially inward 5.25 mm to create a flat surface along the inner circumference while leaving a circular opening 200 of radius 32.5 mm between the top end 110 and the bottom end 120 of the obround shaped frame 100.

Although the protruding lip style planar partitions 160 do not fully cover the area within each ring-shaped sub-division 150, the surface area provided by the protruding lip style partitions 160 is sufficient for an appropriately sized can between 65 mm and 75.5 mm across to rest on without risk of failing through the circular opening 200. More specifically these ring-shaped sub-divisions 150 are intended to receive cylindrical cans having radii between 32.5 mm and 37.75 mm. The protruding lip style partitions 160 are configured to rest on the top ends of appropriately sized cylindrical cans inserted from the bottom face 120 and to support appropriately sized cylindrical cans inserted from the top end 110, such teat such that the two cans are separated and securely stacked one on top of the other.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of a can stacking device with three ring-shaped sub-divisions utilizing the protruding inner lip style planar partition for each ring-shaped sub-division. The illustrated embodiment shows an alternate version of a can stacking device 1000 that includes three ring-shaped sub-divisions 150 and employs three protruding lip style planar partitions 161. This embodiment can be used to stack three cans at a time, one more than in the embodiment previously mentioned. In other embodiments the number of ring-shaped sub-divisions 150 can be further increased to facilitate the stacking of more cans.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, there is shown a perspective view of and an embodiment of a can stacking device with two ring-shape sub-divisions utilizing the continuous disc style planar partition for each ring-shaped subdivision. The illustrated embodiment shows an alternate of a can stacking device 1000 that includes two ring-shaped sub-divisions 150 and employs a continuous disc style planar partitions 162 in each ring-shaped sub-division, such that there is no opening between the top end 110 and the bottom end 120 of the obround shaped frame 100. This embodiment can be used to simultaneously stack cans of varying size. More specifically, this embodiment can facilitate stacking of any cylindrical can whose radius is less than or equal to the radius of the ring shaped sub-division 150. In an alternative embodiment, the continuous disc style planar partitions 162 may comprise apertures or recesses thereon for seating a received can therein.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of a can stacking device where one can is being inserted into a ring-shaped sub-division from the top end and another can is being inserted into a ring-shaped sub-division from the bottom end. In the illustrated embodiment of a can stacking device 1000 the protruding lip style partitions 160 are configured to rest on the top end 311 of a first appropriately sized cylindrical can 310 inserted from the bottom face 120 into a ring-shaped sub-division 150 and to support the bottom end 322 of a second appropriately sized cylindrical can 320 inserted from the top end 110 into the opposite end of the same ring-shaped sub-division 150, such that such that the two cans 310, 320 are separated by partition 160 and securely stacked one on top of the other. In use multiple can stacking devices 1000 are stacked in tandem. For example, another can stacking device 1000 can be installed underneath the first can 310 and a third can stacking device 100 can also be installed above the second can 320, such that the two-level high stack of cans can be more easily handled.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D there are shown a top view, a front view, a right-side view, and a close-up cross-section of the outer wall of an embodiment of a can stacking device taken along line A-A of FIG. 4A, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall 130, and the inner walls 140 that are combined to form the ring-shaped sub-divisions 150 are tapered to facilitate easier removal from the injection mold during the manufacturing process. The partition 160 is the thickest point on the outer wall 130, or inner wall 140, and as the wall extends toward the top end 110 or the bottom end 120 the thickness decreases because both walls 130, 140 taper inward. FIG. 4D shows where the thickness is greatest at the partition 160 and highlights the inward taper on both the external and internal portions of the outer wall 130.

While forming the ring-shaped sub-divisions 150, the outer wall 130 and inner wall 140 of the obround shaped frame 100 also form a plurality of triangular apertures 170 disposed between the ring-shaped sub-divisions 150 and the outer wall 130. The triangular apertures 170 are intentionally included in the frame 100 during injection molding to reduce the amount of material consumed during the manufacturing process while reinforcing the structure of the frame 100 and sub-division 150. Additionally, the apertures 170 create a convenient hand hold that can be used as a handle when moving the can stacking device 1000. Furthermore, when several cans are stacked one on top of the other such that several can stacking devices 1000 are placed in between the cans and on the ends of the outermost cans, the stacked cans can be secured together by running a fastener through the apertures 170 so that the can stacking devices 1000 and the cans there between are fastened together.

Referring now to FIG. 5 there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of a can stacking device having no outer wall portion. In the illustrated embodiment the can stacking device 1000 is comprised of two adjacent ring-shaped sub-divisions 150 with no outer wall 130. Wherein the ringed shape of the two sub-divisions 150 is defined by a shared an inner wall 180, such that each ring 150 is incomplete without the other and the shared wall 180 serves as the sole point of connection between the sub-divisions 150.

1t is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents maybe resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim: 1) A can stacking device, comprising: a frame configured to circumscribe one or more cans; the frame having an outer wall and one or more inner walls disposed between a top end and a bottom end; wherein the one or more inner interconnect with the outer wall to define one or more sub-divisions, each sub-division configured to receive an end of a can inserted from either the top end and the bottom end of the frame; each sub-division further including a partition disposed between the top end and the bottom end of the frame, the partition having a first side facing the top end and a second side facing the bottom end, wherein the first side of the partition is configured to receive and support a first can thereon and the second side of the partition is configured to engage and receive a second can in a stacked configuration, wherein the first can and the second can are arranged in vertical alignment through the sub-division. 2) The can stacking device of claim 1 wherein the frame is obround shaped. 3) The can stacking device of claim 2, wherein the obround shaped frame is configured to circumscribe one or more cylindrical cans. 4) The can stacking device of claim 1, wherein the one or more inner walls interconnect with the outer wall to define the one or more sub-divisions each having a ring-shape and each sub-division configured to receive one or more cans. 5) The can stacking device of claim 4, wherein the one or more inner walls defining each sub-division are tapered inward from the partition, such that the walls are thickest at the partition and gradually decrease in thickness as the walls extend toward the top end and the bottom end of the frame respectively. 6) The can stacking device of claim 5, wherein the partition of each sub-division comprises a protruding inner lip that extends radically inward to create a flat surface along an inner circumference, the inner circumference defining a circular opening extending between the top end and the bottom end of the frame. 7) The can stacking device of claim 5, wherein the partition of each sub-division comprises a continuous disc covering an entire area of each sub-division. 8) The can stacking device of claim 5, wherein the frame includes two ring-shaped sub-divisions. 9) The can stacking device of claim 5, wherein the frame includes three ring-shaped sub-divisions. 10) The can stacking device of claim 5, wherein the sub-divisions form a contiguous row of circles. 11) The can stacking device of claim 1, wherein a pair of adjacent sub-divisions of the one or more sub-divisions are joined at a shared portion of the one or more inner walls. 12) The can stacking device of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a plurality of apertures created by the void space between the one or more inner walls of two contiguous sub divisions and the outer wall of are frame. 13) The can stacking device of claim 12, wherein the apertures created by the void space between the one or more inner walls of two contiguous sub-divisions and the outer wall of the frame are triangular in shape. 14) The can stacking device of claim 1, wherein the outer wall and the one or more inner walls are monolithic. 15) A can stacking device, comprising: a frame one or more inner wails disposed between a top end and a bottom end; wherein the one or more inner walls define one or more sub-divisions, each sub-division configured to receive an end of a can; each sub-division further including a partition disposed between the top end and the bottom end of the frame, the partition having a first side facing the top end and a second side facing the bottom end, wherein the first side of the partition is configured to receive and support a first can thereon and the second side of the partition is configured to engage and receive a second can in a stacked configuration. 